City Takes Further Steps to Manage West Nile Virus through Mosquito Control

The City of Des Moines is taking significant steps to manage the threat of West Nile Virus by scheduling community-wide adult mosquito control treatments starting on August 29, 2023. This decision follows the detection of West Nile Virus-positive mosquitoes in local surveillance traps, although there are no known cases of the virus in humans or pets within the city. The treatments will occur over several nights, primarily after 8:00 PM, to effectively reduce the mosquito population that may transmit the virus. Residents are encouraged to regularly inspect their properties and eliminate standing water, which is crucial for suppressing mosquito breeding. Public health officials emphasize the importance of personal protective measures, such as using CDC-recommended repellents and wearing long sleeves outdoors, especially during peak mosquito activity times at dawn and dusk.

Residents can report high mosquito levels or sign up for advance notifications through Clarke’s online Resident Hotline. Furthermore, the city allows residents to submit shut-off requests to opt-out of mosquito control treatments on their properties. With these measures, Des Moines aims to preserve the health and comfort of its residents while actively managing the mosquito population.